They vary widely depending on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony, and whether certain aggravating factors are present. The maximum penalty for a misdemeanor charge is one year in county jail. If the charge is filed as a felony, the maximum penalty can be anywhere from 4 years in state prison (or in certain circumstances 4 years in county jail) to as much as 11 years in state prison, again depending on the existence of aggravating factors. Naturally with such severe penalties at stake it will be very important for a defendant to have a skilled elder abuse defense attorney on the case.